Research Technology Advisory Group

Terms of Reference

Purpose

A primary direction of RMIT is to intensify its research. Advanced ICT infrastructure and capabilities are vital to this strategy. The Research Technology Advisory Group will provide informed advice and direction in the development and use of ICT, ‘creation’ and collaboration technologies, and related capabilities, that lead to the achievement of goals set out in the Academic Plan and more specifically the RMIT Research and Innovation Strategy. This will be linked to:

  • Researcher-centric capabilities, tools and processes improving the research experience, participation and outcomes for research students, RMIT and visiting researchers;
  • Advanced interoperable e-research facilities and collaboration technologies supporting multiinstitutional teams and projects between RMIT researchers and inter/national collaborators;
  • Deployment of and access provision to experimental cutting-edge networked ICT facilities;
  • Seamless integration of group-level and central compute and storage capabilities;
  • Research repositories and research data curation;
  • Managing, monitoring, analyzing and continually improving research performance.

Research Technology Advisory Group will support the PVC (Research and Innovation) in determining priorities for the adoption and improvement of ICT to support the University’s strategic research priorities and direction setting for the Information Communication Technology Strategy Committee.

Role

Research Technology Advisory Group offers a forum for consultation and deliberation on matters relating to ICT for the conduct and management of research, the strengthening and continuous improvement of research capabilities, experiences and processes. It will review and advise on e-research technology, with a focus on

research quality and relevance and in relation to the development, implementation, review and improvement of research and research training at RMIT. It brings together a representative group of people who are able to contribute knowledge, expertise and vision for the strategic and effective use of ICT to support the University’s research strategies and collaborations.

The work of Research Technology Advisory Group will be guided by priorities set out in the relevant Strategic Plans and matters raised by the PVC (Research and Innovation). Research Technology Advisory Group will support and advise the PVC (Research and Innovation) in connection with areas such as:

  • E-research capabilities, including advanced networks, ICT-intensive instruments, grid computing facilities, sensor networks, video-conferencing and networked repositories;
  • Seamless experience of, processes towards and access to ICT-enabled research for researchers and their international visitors and collaborators;
  • Software and physical infrastructure to allow secure connectivity and interoperability;
  • Experimental software and hardware for leading-edge research;
  • Supercomputing applications in research in applied science, engineering and elsewhere;
  • Seamless integration and interoperability of all research technology systems and processes;
  • Training and development of staff capabilities in the research use of information technologies;
  • Embedded ICT professionals working directly with researchers to facilitate and scope equipment-related research grants, their deployment and operation, and to provide one-stopshop researchers’ desktop and everywhere-anytime wireless environments;
  • Developments and issues elsewhere in the sector, for example benchmarking with other universities and university-level engagement with international professional organizations.

Membership

The membership of Research Technology Advisory Group will be determined by the PVC (Research and Innovation) and may be subject to change.

  • PVC (Research and Innovation)
  • Member of the RMIT Research Committee
  • 3 Researchers nominated by PVC (Research & Innovation)
  • 1 PhD student nominated by PVC (Research & Innovation)
  • Deans (Research) or their delegates
  • Nominee of Executive Director, ITS
  • Nominee of Executive Director, Property Services
  • Director, RMIT Library
  • Research Systems Management Officer
  • Director (Research Planning)
  • VPAC Liaison Officer

Members should nominate a proxy for situations when they are unable to attend meetings.

The Chair of the Advisory Group will be appointed by the PVC (Research and Innovation).

The Advisory Group will co-opt additional members and / or invite representative staff as required.

Meetings

Meetings will be held approximately every six weeks but may be subject to change.